Damper mechanism or draft regulator



' Nav. 24, i925.

W"1 J. PFEEFEH DAMPER MECHANISM OR DRAFT REGULTR Filed Oct. 20 1924 2 Sheetswsheet l EWE@ DAMFER vIECHNSM OR DRAFT REGULATOR Fila@ om. 2o., i924 uze shmswshaet 2 fill Patented Nov, 24, 1925.

lll'rll'll STATES XVILLIAM J, PFEFER, OF OAK PARK, ILLINOS.

DAMPER MCHANISM OR DRAFT REGULATOR.

Application filed October 20, 1924.

To (ffl venom t 12mg/ concern.'

lle it hncwn that l, W'innniir J. Prnmnn, a citizen of the United States, residing in Oak Pai-lq, in the. county of Cool; and State of illinois, have invented certain new and useful lmprovenients in Damper Mechanisms or llraft Regulators, of Which the followingY is specification.

This invention relates to damper mecha.- nisnis, or draft regulators, comprising a damper member 'adapted to be automatically operated or actuated, for controlling or regulating` the draft of a furnace or heater, or similar device.

'The principal object of the invention is to provide an improved, simple, economical, and efficient damper mechanism, or draft regulatiimy or controlling,I mechanism for furnaces, heaters, or similar devices.

n further object of the invention is to provide an in'iproved damper mechanism or draft regulator comprising a damper member adapted to be actuated or operated automatically by the action or force of a current of air or gases, or air and products of combustion passing?,l into or through the flue or from the combustion chamber or lirebox of a furnace, or similar device.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved damper mechanism or draft regulator adapted to be automatically actuated iinlependently of the temperature or pressure of the water or steam in the laiiier or heating; chamber of a furnace, so ai to autmnaticallv control or regulate the draft and prevent the escape of smoke from the irobox through the furnace door when such door is opened to build or replenish the lire.

v(lthcr and further objects of the invention will appear from an e): mination of the followingY description and claims, and from an inspection of the acconmanyine draw'- iun's, vwhich are made a part hereof.

ln the aceoiupaliving drawings:-

Figure 'l is a view in side elevation of a Yfurnace provided with damper mechanism constructed and adapted to operate in accordance with my invention;

Fig. f2 a view in front elevation of the furnace shoivn in l, with the upper part of the frui'nace broken away or omitted, and showing; the means for connecting the damper-operating mechanism with the firebo\r door;

Serial No. 744,658.

Fig. 8 is an enlarged View in side elevation of a fine provided with a smoke box or chamber and damper mechanism constructed in accordance With my invention, and showing the damper-operating mechanisni in initial position in full lines, With the danipe-rs in corresponding or open position, the dampers being` shown in closed or released position and the damper-operating mechanism in a. corresponding position in broken lines;

Fig. l is a. view in side elevation of a furnace provided with damper mechanism constructed in accordance with my invention, showing my improved dampers and damper-operating mechanism adapted to be attached to or used in connection with a furnace or heater having` an upright opening or flue leading into or through the bottom of a smoke box or damper-containinp,` chamber in accordance with my invention;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged view in side elevation, similar to Fig. 8, of asmolre-box or damper-containing` chamber provided With dan'ipers and damper-operating mechanism constructed in accordance with my invention and adapted to be attached to an uprightopening' or flue of a furnace or heater as shown in Fig. 4;, and showing a modified form of connecting means for connecting the damper-n'iechanism with the furnace door; and

Fig. 6 is an ei'ilarged detail view of my improved damper and damper-operating and releasingI mechanism.

ln constructing,l an improved damper mechai'iisn'i or draft regulator for furnaces or heaters, or similar devices, in accordance with my invention, l provide a furnace or heater l, which may be of any desired, ordinary and Well-known or suitable form. The furnace or heater is provided with the usual combustion chamber or Firebox 2, grate 8, tirebox door il, ash-box 5, boiler or heating chamber 6, flue 7, smoke-box or chamber 8, and inclosine` Walls or furnace Walls 9, all of which may be of the usual, or any desired, ordinary and Well-known or suitable form.

The furnace or heater l may be either of the upright or vertical form, or of the horizontal type, both of Which are Well-known and in common use, or of any desired, ordinary and Well-known, or suitable form.

The furnace or Aheater is also, by preforcncc, provided with one or more ash doors or front dampers or doors 10l` 10 or other suitable means for admitting or regulating the admission of air to the combustion chamber or tirebox, through or from beneath the grate, or from the front of the tirebox, or otherwise, as desired,

A damper 11 pivotally supported on atransverse rock-shaft or axle 12 is mounted in or in position to open and close or regulate, or control the effectual area of the passage 12% in the flue '7, or leading from the combustion chamber 2 to or through the iue, or through the smoke-box and flue. This 'damper 11 is, by preference, located at the intersection of the smoke-chamber 19 and flue T, or in position to open and close or vary the effectual area of the passage or opening 13 between the smoke-box and fine or in the fine. i prefer to mount the damper 11 and a damper 22, which is operatively connected therewith, in a damper-containing chamber 19 between the smoke box 8 and flue T. l

'lhe rock-shaft or axle 12 on which the damper is mounted and, by preference, fixed, so as to rock with the rock-shaft, is provided with a lever arm 14 on which is adjustablymounted a counter-weight 15 adapted to properly balance the damper 11. The lamper and lever arm, both of which are, by' preference fixed to the rock shaft 12, are thus so balanced thatv said damper will be normally in open or initial position when a relatively light or normal current of air or air and gases is passing through the iue 7 or damper-controlled passage 13, or, in other words, when the fire is normal or not so bot but that the damper may safely be left open. lutvthe damper 11 in its open or initial position is so nearly balanced by its own weight and the properly adjusted counter-weight on the lever arm 1&1, that the damper will be released and operated to or in the direction of its closedv position by the action of the current of air or gases or 'products of combustion passing through the damper-controlled passage or opening 13 and AHue T or from the interior of the furnace whenever such current becomes excessive or above normal in volume or in its speed of movement, or whenever the furnace is in danger of becoming overheated and the fire becomes hotter and the draft stronger or more rapid than is desired or consistent with safety, or whenever it is desirable that the damper should be thus automatically closed either partially or wholly in order to insure safety or for any reason, for example, when the front tire door or damper has been left open, or the operator inadvertently left any of the dampers or doors or the fire in a condition or position which would permit the fire to become too hot for safety or to exceed a desired predetermineil temperature consistent with safety or comfort, and

the automatic closing of the damper by the action of the current or excessive draft of air or products of combustion through the damper-controlled passage or flue is desirable or necessary.

In order to provide means for automatically opening the damper 11 when the firebox door 4 is opened, or by the opening of said door, and adapted to leave the damper 11 in open position and in position to be automatically actuated by the draft or current of air passing from the firebox or combustion chamber into or through the flue, or 'through the smoke-box and flue, as already suggested, the damper'11 is operatively connected with said firebox door 4: by suitable connecting means. For example, a damperoperating bar or arm 18 is operatively connected with the damper 11 by means of a crank arm 17 fixed to the rock shaft 12, and having Ja crank pin 2O on said crank arm andv extending into an elongated slot 21 in said damper-operating rod or arm 1S. The elongated slot 21 is thus adapted to provide sufficient play or lost motion between the preferably reciprocating dahiper-operating bar or arm 18 and the damper 11, or between said arm, 18 and the crank 17 and crank pin 20. rlhe damper-operating rod or arm 18 is thus adapted to operate the damper in one direction or toward its opened position, as said arm or rod 1S is automatically operated. in a corresponding direction bythe opening of the door 4. But the door 4f is permitted to be closed, and the operator may operate the bar or arm 18 in an opposite direction wit-hout actuating or changing the position of said damper 11.

The damper-operating rod or arm 18 is, by preference, reciprocatingly mounted upon a suitable support, and also, by preference, operatively connected with a second or main damper 22, which is rockingly mounted upon a transverse axle 23 in position to open and close, or control, a passage 21, leading from the combustion chamber into the chamber 19. or to or toward the passage 13 and flue 7.

In order to enable this to be accomplished in a simple and efficient manner, and to enable the damper 22, as well as the damper 11, to be automatically operated in an efficient manner by the opening of the door t, and to enable the damper 22 to be movable toward its closed position upon the closing of the door 4., and either without or with and by means of the operation of the damper 11, the arm or bar 18 is, by preference, operatively connected with the damper 22 and door 4, as well as with the damper 11,

follows:

A lever arm 25 is fixed to the axle 23 of the damper 22 and pivotally connected with the end of the arm or bar 18 by a pivot pin 2G on the end of said lever 25. The lever lll) Q and arm l@ are connected with the door fi by suitable conneet-ingl means, such, :tor example, as the lever and chain mechanism shown in Fig. l., which is constructed, by preference, as follows:

it rocking lever Qi' is mounted upon a suitable support 28 by means ot a. supportingl hinge or pivot 2l). lhe support 2B may be suspended from the veili" or troni any desired stationary su pport.

line end of the lever Q7 is connected with the leve arrn 253 and bar 18 by means et a chain or similar flexible element 30, one eud ot which is connected with the lever arm 27, and the other end With the armi or bar lil by aji eye 26. The opposite ariu ll ot the lerer ji .is connected with a lever arni 32 o'l a hell,- crank lever 3?) pivotally mounted upon a pin or tulcruiii Hilf on a s* iiouary support l5 adjaeent 'lo the door The connection of the erin with the lever ariu B2 is by means ot a eliain 36, or similar `flexible element, one end of which is connected with the arni 3l, and the other with the arm 32. llie arm 33 ot the beller-anti. lever is operatively connected with the door l by suitable connecting ineensn such, tor ei;- auiple, as a chain or llex'oe element il?, one end olf which is attached to the door et hy suitable securing means ou the door, and the opposite end with the lever arm 'l.

The daniper-operatiug arin or bar l8 being operatively connected with the rock shaft l2 and damper l1. lixed to said shaft, by means ot the elongated slot 2O in said bar 18 and the craul; pin 2O on the crank or lever arm l? and extending into said elongated slot, said lever arni 1T being lixed to said rock sha'lt l2 as already describedis also operatively connected with the second or main damper 22 by means of the lever arm 25, and a connelting piu adjustably mounted in said lever erin which provided with a series ol' holes lor 'reserving said pin rhich also adagted lo be iusorted in any desired one oli :i series oit holes or notches 39 in a perforated or notched por tion of saidv bar 1S, or iii any desired notch l-ll oli a. series of such angular :uotclies in a notched connecting` member or strip il pivotally connected with said. bar 18 and adapted to be adjustably connected With the lever arm and to to 'in an adjustal'ile counectiug means between said lever and said bar 1S. 'lf he bar 18 thus connects the danipers 1l and 22 in suoli manner that the automatic closing` o'l the damper ll by the action oil? the current or draft oli air and gases through the damper Controlled passage i3 and 'flue 7, when suoli current becomes excessive, Will cause the damper to be automatically closed in. case daniper 22 has been left open either iutei'ition:` ly or inadvertently.

rind the d tt or current oi sur and. gases will thus he conlirolhidv` duced or regulated by the automatic clos in@` olE both o'l said danipers thus operatively connor/ted and automatically released and aetuated. llt will also be readily seen that the opening,l ot the damper 2:2 either by opening the lire-box door el or otherwise, Vwill also operate the courier-ting; diuuperoperating bar 18 and cause the damper ll to he opened siinultaneously with the opening of the damper lt should also be noted that the operator, by grasping the damper-operating har 1S or the knob l2 on said bar and slightly raising or pressingupward and rear-wird or toward the damper il may operate or close the damper 22 Without changing the position olor actuating or operating the damper 1l. And it is obvious that after the damper 22 has thus been closed iu such a manner as to leave the damper 1l open, the operatorw-by closing the lire-box door, or by operating the bar ll in an opposite direction or 'iorward--can open the damper 22 without actuating' or affecting or changino' the position of the already open damper ll. But the opening;- et' the damper 22 will in any ease causo the damper ll to l opened and set in position. to be autoniatically released and actuated by the act-ion olf the current or dralft oi air and through the damper-coutrolled passage or flue when ever suoli current becomes excessively strong or rapid. V

rllie damper-operatingbar 18 and damper ll are also, by preference, operatively oon- Iiected by releasable triggerlilte connecting` means, as follows:

The end ot the bar 18 which is adjacent to the damper ll aiirl its supporting; rockshaft or axle l2, is provided with a notch 43 and shoulder il adapted to engage an adjacent locking' or connecting` and releasing shoulder l5 ou a fiat or angular end portion -fitl on or ilforiniug a part ot the rocleshailit or axle lf2. Jrud the lever arm or crank ariii i7, already described, lixed lio said angular or flat eiiil portion oli the rock-shaft l2 by means ol screw.1 l?, or other suitable securing ineens, and the crank piu or tripping; and connecting pin 20 :mchored in said lever arm li' and extending into the Aelongated. slot 2l iu the bar 1S, is normally located .'l'or'vard and above the level of the axis ol the roel; shatt l2 and damper 'll and in position to move rearward over said axis with and in lixed relation to the rock sh att l2 when said rock-shaft and damper are roel/.ed or partially rotated in a direction iu which the damper ll nieves to closed position, or rearward. (See Fig. 6.) lt will thus be readily that the movement or operation oil' the damper ll and its rockshalit if?) and lever arni li' troni open position, in whirli said damper is shown in full linesl in said ,e igure (l, to or toward the closed position of said damper and parts as shown in broken lines in said Fig. G, will cause the shoulder 1-'1 and notch 113 of the bar 18 to be raised out of engagement with or released from the locking shoulder on the rock-shaft 12. This trigger-like or releasable locking connection between the bar 18 and the rock shaft 12 being` thus released by the automatic operation or movement of the damper 11 to or toward its closed position, said operation or movement of the damper 11 will automatically release and actuate or permit the movement of the damper 22 to or toward its closed position simultaneously With the movement of the damper 11 to or toward its closed position as indicated in said Fig. G. The releasable trigger-like connection between the shouldered end of the bar 18 and engaged shoulder 45 on the rock shaft or axle 12 of the damper 11 acts to releasably hold the damper 22 in its raised or open position, or in a locked position from which it can be automatica-ll)7 released by the closing of the damper 11. And although the opening of the damper 22 by the opening of the lire-box door, or in the ordinary operation of said damper 22 Will open the damper 11; and the closing of the damper 11 will automatically close the damper 22, the damper 22 may be adjusted to any desired partially opened or adjusted position With respect to the damper 11.

Frein the foregoing description, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the damper 22, Which is, by preference located in the flue or passageformed by the flue and communicating With the combustion chamber of the furnace, is adapted to control the eiiiectual area of such passage, or to open and close or restrict and limit or control the size or capacity of such passage. The damper 22 is, furthermore, provided with damper operating means comprising the rockingly mounteddamper 11, and its Weighted lever arm 111-, and connecting rod or bar 18, and the lever arm 25 fixed to the axle 2B and adjustably connected with the connecting rod or bar 18, so as to enable the damper 22 to be adjusted With respect to the damper or weighted rockingly-mounted damper-operating means or member 11. r1`he Weighted, damper-operat ing means, comprising said dampeiyll and its counter-Weight, and connecting rod and lever mechanism above described, is thus adapted to be actuated in one direction automatically, by the action ot the current passing through the. passage formeel by the Itlue; and is adapted to be operated or actuated in an opposite direction by the closing of the combustion chamber door or 1ire-box door 11 of the furnace, or other suitable means for returning the damper 11 to its Ainitial position. I prefer to have the damper .11 so constructed, mounted and counter- Weighted that it is adapted to be automatically moved to or towards its closed position by the action of the current, as already described, and as shown in the drawings, although it is possible to have said damper 11, when used in conjunction with another main or auxiliary damper, such, for example as the damper 22, so arranged and mounted and counter-weighted that said damper 11 will be automatically moved by the current in the direction already shown and described or in the direction of the movement of the current, but to an open or partially open position of such damper 11 from a closed or relatively more nearly closed position. And I prefer to employ ar plurality of damper-s, such, for example, as the dampers 22 and 11, rather than a single damper 11.

In the form of the device shown in the drawings the Weighted damper 11 is so constructed, mounted and counter-weighted that the center of gravity of the weighted damper 11 or rockingly mounted damper-operating means comprising said Weighted damper 11 is normally on the front side of the horizontal axis of said damper, thus tending to releasably hold the Weighted damper in its forward or initial position, as shown, for example, in full lines in Fig. Arnd upon being subjected to the action of a current of air or air and gases flowing through the passage 18 or llue 7 at or in excess ot' a desired speed of movement or predetermined speed or force of such current, said weighted damper will be automatically moved to or toward the position in which it is shown in broken lines in said Fig. 5, thus causing the center of gravity of the Weighted damper to move in the direction of movement of the current and over or acrossthe axis of the damper to the rear or opposite side of said axis, or to such a position that the iveight andcenter of gravity of the damper will tend to holdthe damper 11 in such lastmentioned position, as indicated in broken lines in said 5, and also in Fig. 3.

In Figs. 1 to 3 inclusive, my improved damper mechanism is shown in a form which is Well adapted for attachment to and use in connection with a furnace or heater having a rear or approximately horizontal tluc or outlet passage to be controlled by sneh damper mechanism. n

In Figs. 41- and 5, however, a modification of my improved device is shown which is adapted for attachment to and use in connection with a furnace or heater having an upper or approximately upwardly directed passage in the upper part or top of the furnace or heater.

In the form of the device shown in said Figs. et and 5, the damper 22 so connected With thedamper 11, by means of the connecting rod 18 and lever arms 25 and 17, that the damper 22l is adapted to be moved Leones/i rom its upper initial. or open position as shown in Vlull lines in Figi. 5, to its lower approximately horizontal closed or partially closed position across the liuc opening` or discharge opening in the top ot the ini nace-which opening i3 corresponds with the bottom opening all in the bottom wall oit the dampercontaining chamber or smoke bon 1S) ot my improved damper mechanism or draft regulato1',-by the action et the current upon the dsnnper-opointing means or damper 1l shown in said Figi'. 5, and already described. .in order to enable this to be accomplished in a simple, economical and eilicient manner, it is only necessary to connect the damper 22 with its axle 23 at a different :ingle with respect to the lever arm 25, or in substantially parallel relation to said lever arm, as shown in said Fig. 5, and to lower the damper to the position shown in said Fig. 5, or, in other words. to so mount the rocking damper 22 that its initial position will be approximately upright, and its closed position will be substantially horizontal and over and across the opening' 23 in the top oit the furnace and opening,` 24.- in the bottom of the damper-containing chamber or smoke box 19.

1n the form oit' the device shown in Figs, -l and 5, the opening' d5 shown in Fig. 3 is, oit' course closed. And in the form oil the device shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the bottom opening` fel in the bottom of the dampercoiitaining chamber or smoke box 19, as shown in Fig. 5, is ot course closed and not used.

The differences in the j iositious olf the openings controlled by the damper 22, and in the position ot the damper 22 with respect to the opening' controlled thereby, and with respect to the lever arm and connecting rod mechanism, or means l'or operating); the damper in the two forms oi'V the device, one ot which is shown in Figs. 1 and 3, and the other ot which is shown in Figs. et and 5, are shown in said ligures; and these dif- Vlici'eiioss necessitate certain modifications in the ronstriu'tion and arrangement of the stops Jfor stopping or lin'iiting the movements o'l the dampers 22 and 11, as shown in the drawings.

,ln the lorm olf the device shown in Figs. l to f5 inclusive, an adjustable stop lb is provided, having notches l? therein. This' adustable notched stopping member alii is adapted to extend through and is adjustable with respect lo a loop or support liti. sind a hinged or pivoted guidinp arm ill) is pivotally connected at one end with the notched bar o1' :uljustable stop member {il} by suitable means, such, for example, as a pin 50. And the other end of the arm 4,9 is connected with a s/ationary support, such, iler example, as the wall ot the smoke bof: or deniper-containing chamber 19 by nieans of i Si a stationary supporting pivot pin 51, or other suitable securing menne. The adjustable stop 46 is thus adapted to engage and stop or limit the movement oi? the lever arnfi 25 fixed to the damper LL, and thereby stop limit the movement of the damper 2Q in `the direction oi its closed or lowered position, and serves to stop said damper in any desired partially open or adjusted position. (See Fig. 3.)

ln the Yli'orm olf the device shown in Figs. s. and 5, the notched adjustable stop or bar l-(S inverted and inserted through the loop or support 18, which is secured in proper position as shown in Fig'. 5. And the pivoted guiding' arm 49, connected with said stop member 46 is also inverted with said notched stop member i6 and supported by the pin `51 or other suitable support, in position to `guide said stop member 46. lin all other substantial respects the devices shown in Figs. 1 to 5l, and in Figs. l and 5, respectively, are substantially alike in construction and operation, differing' only .in details as shown.

r1`he notched bar or adjustable stop member 46 is provided with end langes 52, 53 at its opposite ends, one or the other of which is adapted to engage the lever arm 25 ixed to the damper 2Q and limit the movement of said arm and damper downward or toward or to the lowered or closed position of the damper.

An adjustable stop 54, which is, by preference, slidably or adjustably mounted upon supporting' pins 55 which extend into an elongated slot 5G in said stop, or upon e suitable support which may be of any desired ordinary and well known or suitable torni, is adapted to engage and stop or limit the forward movement of the lever armliq fixed to the damper 11., and thereby limit the 'forward or forward and upward move.i ment of the damper 11 from the position in which it is shown in broken lines in Figs. 3 and 5, respectively, to the position in which it is shown in full lilies in said ilig'ures;

An adjustable transverse rocking bailelike stop 5T is also provided and mounted .in the passage 13 or dampGir-containing chamber 8 'adjacent to the damper 11 and in position to engage and limit the movement ot the damper 11 in one direction, or `from the lorward initial position ot' said damper to or in the direction of its lowered position, which may be its closed, or partially closed, or open position, as desired.

This adjustable stop 57 is by preference in the form ot' a rod bent into-the form oft a. bail and rockingly mounted adjacent to and across the downward or downward and rearward path ot movement of the damper 11, said bail-like rod or stop having an outer intev'ral lever arm portion 58 to the outer located, or other suitable support.

or swinging end of which is flexibly or pivotally attached a notched 'adjustable guiding and securing bar or hook 59. One end of the notched bar or hook 59 isprovided with an aperture therethrough into and through which.v extends ahorizontal angular outwardly projecting portion or connecting member 60 on or forming an integral-part of the lever arm l5S. (See Figs. Sand 5.)

The adjustable guiding bar or'hook l59 is provided with a plurality of notches 6l each Vadapted to be moved into and out of engagement with a stationary supporting or securing pin 62.

The transverse angular rocking bail or 'adjustable stop 5T is thus adapted to be ad- `justed to ditferentpositions with respect to the axis-.of the damper ll andthe opening` 13 vt0 be controlled by said damper, so as to stop or limit the movement of the damper yl1 asit is automatically actuated or released and operated by the action of a current of air vor air and gases moving through the passage at or iirexcess df a desired or predetermined speed of movement of such current, or at oi iii excess of a predetermined speed of movement of such current which if 1 allowed to continue or to increase would be dangero'us,'or liable to result in overheating Avthe Aflue or furnace, or unsafe or undesirable for any reason.

From the foregoing it will be readily seen that the damper ll is automatically actuated in the direction of the movement of the current by the 'action of the current i'noif'in'g in excess of a desired predetermined speediof lmovement consistent with safety, and by the actionofgravity or the counterweiglited'lever arm, andithat the weighted yor properly balanced damper ll and its lcounter;'i'veighted lever arm, and connecting rod 18 constitute an automatically actuated damper-operating means, for actuating the damper 22 Ias well as the damperll.

In the device shown in Figs. 4 and 5, a modified form of connectiiigmeans for operatively connecting the damper mechanism or operating lever 25 and damper-operating and connecting barilS with'the -furnace door Ll and bell-crank lever 32-is shown, in which a chain or other suitable 'flexible element BOlis connected at one endwith the lever 25 and bar 18 'by means 'of an eye, such as the eye 26 already described, or'by any ordinary and well )known or suitable connecting means; and the 'chain or yflexible Aelement 30 extends'through and is-operatively suppoited "by a pulley Y5l, rsuspended 'from or supported by the ceiling fof the basement or room in which the furnace is Y The opposite end jo'f the'cha'inlor flexible element 3 0' is attached, v'by preference, to an arm Vof the bell-cranklever already described,

said lever being connected with the door `tion chamber door 4.

t as already described. (See Figs. l, 4 and 5.)

The damper 11, and its counter-weighted lever arm, and damper-operating mechanisin, is capable of successful operation by itself and without any other damper being connected therewith, such, for example, as the danipei' 22, but I prefer to employ both dampers or a plurality of dampers operatively connected and adapted to operate substantially as herein described and claimed.

`Although the damper 22 is by preference ordinarily operated or moved from its raised or open position to or toward its lowered orclosed position with and by means of the automatic operation of the airactuated damper operating mechanism or weighted current-actuated damper ll and lever arm and rod connections, as already described, it

is possible to permit the damper 22 to move to or toward its closed or lowered position simultaneously with or upon the closing of the combustion chamber door and without operatingor lowering the weighted damper 1l, by simply connecting the chain orilexible element 30 or il with an opening 55 nearerto the pivot or axis 3lof the bell crank lever 32 than the hole 56 in which said-chain or flexible element is shown in Fig. 2, so as to shorten the effectual length of the lever arm to which said chain or flexible element is adjustably connected. A sei'ies of openings 55, 5G is provided in the lever arm 82, for permitting the adjustment of the chain or flexible element to different positions with respect to the axis or pivotal center of said bell crank.

By connecting the chain or flexible element with the lever 32 at the point indicated by the position of the hole 55 the damper 22 will Vbe permitted to move downward toward or to its desired lowered, or partly Vopened or desired adjusted position with or upon the closing of the lire-box or combus- And said damper 22 will nevertheless be opened suihc1eiit.y by

the opening of the lire-box doei' to permit 'the smoke to pass into the flue, and to prevent the smoke from escaping through the tire-box door when opened for the purpose of replenishing'the fire, or for any purpose.

The automatic operation ofthe weighted current-actuated damper operating means or damper l1 will, however, in any case insure the 'proper lowering or operation of the damper 22 to or toward its closed position, as already described.

I claim:

l. In a mechanism of the class described, the combination of a lue forming 'a fluid passage adapted to permit a current to pass therethrough from a combustion chamber, a damper rockingly mounted upon an axis and adapted to permit suoli current to pass Utl lUO llO

liti? the damper in its open position at or below a predetermined speed without closing the damper, Said damper being adapted to be antoinatixallv oi erated toward its closed position when the envi-ent passing the damper exceeds suoli predetermined Speed, releas able dwiper-holding meanf; operatively connected with and in movable relation to said damper, 'for releasably holding` the saine in its initial open pofaition, and damper-operating' means lore-.ted outside of said passage and operatively connected with Said releasable damp r-lioldin ;l means and adapted to nieve Said damper to its initial open position.

2. fln a meelianifnn of tbe elast; described, tbe combination ot a line forming a fluid )assage adapted to permit a current to pass 'beretln'ongli from a combustion chamber7 a damper roeline'lv mounted upon an axis indv adapted. to permit suoli ouvrent to pass be damp/e' in its open position at or below a predetermined normal speed7 Said damper :niapted to be anton'atieally operated toward ite eloeed position when tbe Current passing the damper exceeds :snob predetermined normal speed, dainpeik-operating meanfs ope 'atively eonneeted `with :said damper, tov moving the n: :ne from its eloSed to ijtr-i initial open position` and means for eilieraiveljv connecting said damper-operatintY means vvitll a 'fornace door.

23. ln a. nieenaniain. ot tbe class described, 'be vonibinaton ot a. tine 'forming a linid )waage a l; to pero it a, entrent to pafse l i a iptefi tieve'lnono'li from a combustion eliainbmf.l a iper i'oelingg'l'v mounted upon an axie` z `idapted to permit ssneli ouvrent to pane :nnper in ita open position at or below a predeterniined normal speed ot movement oi" an# i enrrent. .aa dannfioi having ite4 anis and enter oi" gravity ao diapoaed Witb repe t lo earfb other an to permit tbe damper f :e automa iealljgiv operated toivi'ird its oaed pofsition and tbe enter of avitjv oit e damper Hlii'ted troni one side to tbe bei olf tbe artis ot tbe damper wl en tbe vivront passingV tbe damper exceeds Snell predetermined normal speed, and damperopera info; naanf: opei'ativel'/Y t'onneoted with said d nnper and adapted to be operatively oonnetti d -n'itb a 'tornare door. l. ln a n'nwl'ianism ot tbe dass deec'i'ibed, ie Combination oi a line 'forming a. fluid le l to pei-i current to pass voavi a eonibnation Chamber, Abinfflv mounted npon an axis c to i ernii' snob rin-rent to tion' p tbe dampe: at or below a preded normal spoed of `a'iovement el Snell Y, be automatically i'eetion bv tbe action et Current moving past tbe damper at a .enen speed. in excess of Snell predetermined normal speed7 and antoniatie damper-operating means located outside of said paeeage operetively Connected with tbe dai'i'iper, :for operating; it automatically in an opposite direction to initial position.

5. In a. mechanism ol3 the laos deeeribed, tbe eoi'nbination of a fine iiorn'iinfzi` a l'lnid passage alapted to permit a current to pass therethrough fron a Combustion chamber, a

damper rot-lonely mounted npon an axis and extending transversely with respect to azid passage and adapted to permit snob onrveiit to tiow freely passt tbe damper at or below a` jriiiodetei'inined normal speed. of novement oi: eneli current Without operat- .ng the damper, said damper being adz-ipted o be antoniati ally operated in one direci ite movement by the action of snob t on ol moving` past the damper at a Speed means with a lninaee door.

G, ln a meebanisin of tbe elast; deeeribeib the combination ot a fine forming` a linid paesage adapted to permit a current to pass 'tberetbroligb from a eoi'nbnetion ('lianiber, a damper roekingly mounted upon an axis and extending transverael-v with respect to mid oaasagze and adapted. to permit Snell (airvent to ionf freely pant tbe damper at or belovvv a preiletermined normal speed oli move nent olif ,an/eli current ivitbont operating' tbe damper. said lamper being adapted to be antomatieally operated in one diret:- 'tion oi' its movement by tbe aetion oi" snob euri-ei' movingv pant tbe damper at a aimed in excess of snob pre(leterinined normal spoed, laniper-operating ineens operatively eonneoted vvitb tbe damper tor operating` it in an opposite direction to initial position, and adjustable stopping' mechanism adapted to operativeliY engage and liinit tbe movement olE the damper.

7. l'n a ineebanieni ot tbe (dass described. tbe ooinbiiiation ol a lino 'termino` a. llnid panaage adap'ttal to porn 't a livrent to pass ilievetllrongl'b 'troni i 'on niet-io: ebainber oit a 'nvnaeu a dainpei ot'kingly nionnted and adaiilod lo peifniit .an-eli Current to tiow in laaid patinage at or beiovv a predeterinined normal speei'l otI movement olf snob (airvent vvitbont closing' tbe damper` :said damper being); adapted to be automatically o'ierated in one dii'ec'tion ot its; movement bv the ao tion ot e ei entrent .moving past and in oontatt vfi'li tbe damper at a speed in @avesse olE snob piefle-3i'niined normal Speedj a Second dnnper. controlling the etieetnal area of eaid passage, and damper-operating means lil) trolling the effectual area ot' the located outside o t said passage operatively connected with and forming a connection between said dampers.

8. In a mechanism ol' the class described, the combination ot a tlue forming a fluid passage adapted to permit a current to pass therethrough from a combustion chamber, a damper rockingly mounted in and adapted to permit such current to l[-low freely through said passage at or below a predetermined normal speed of movement ot such current without operating said damper, said damper being adapted to be operated in one direction of its movement by the action of such current moving at a speed in excess ot' such predetermined normal speed, a second damper, for controlling the eiectual area of said passage, and releasable damper-holding means operatively connected with said lastmentioned damper and adapted to releasably hold the same in open position, said holding means being adapted to be automatically operated to releasing positionby said first-mentioned damper.

9. In a mechanism ot the class described, the combination of a flue forming a fluid passage adapted to permit a current of air and gases to pass therethrough from the combustion chamber of a "furnace, a damper mounted in such passage and adapted to permit such current to tlow past the damper at or below a predetermined normal speed ot' movement of such current without operating said damper, said damper being adapted to be automatically operated in one direction ot its -movement by the action of such current moving at a speed inexcess ot' such predetermined normal speed, a second damper mounted in said passage,

passage, and damper-releasing and operating means located outside of said passage and operatively connected with and adapted to release and permit the operation of the lastmentioned damper and operatively connected with and adapted to be actuated by said lirst-mentioncd damper.

l0. In a mechanism of the class described, the combination of a flue forming a Huid 'passage adapted to permit current of air and gases to pass therethrough from the combustion chamber ot a furnace, a damper mounted in such passage and adapted to permit such current to How 'freely past such damper at or below a predetermined normal speed of movement of such current without operating said damper, said damper being adapted to be automatically operated in one direction ot its movement by the action ot such current moving at a7 speed in excess of such predetermined normal speed, a second damper mounted in said passage, l'or controlling the effectual area of the passage, damper-releasing and actuating means operatively connected with and forming a contor connection between said dampers and means tor operatively connecting said damper-releasing and actuating means with a 'furnace door.

ll. In a mechanism of the class described, the combination of a tlue forming a' fluid passage adapted to permit a current ot air and gases to pass therethrough from a combustion chamber ot a furnace, a damper rockingly mounted in such passage and adapted to permit such current to flow past such damper at or below a predetermined normal speed o1 movement of such current without operating said damper, said damper being adapted to be automatically operated in one direction ot' its movement by the action of such current moving in excess ot such prci'letermined normal speed, a second damper mounted in said passage, for controlling the el'iiectual area o't the same, damper-relcasing mechanism connected with and forming a connection between said dampers and adapted to be actuated by the movement ot the inst-mentioned damper for'releasing and permitting the movement of the lastmentioned damper, and damper-operating means located outside of said passage and connected with said damper-releasing mechanism, for returning said dampers to initial position.

l2.v In a. mechanism of the class described, the combination ot a liuc 'forming a fluid passage adapted to permit a current ot air to pass therethrough from a combustion chamber of a furnace, a damper rockingly mounted in such passage and adapted to permit such current to flow past such damper at or below a predeterniined speed oit' n'iovement oi such current without operating said damper, said damper being adapted to be actuated by the action of such current moving at a speed in excess of such predetermined speed, a second damper mounted in said passage, for controlling the etlectual area of the same, a damper-releasing and damper-operating bar operatively connected with and 'forming a connection between said dampers and adapted to releasably hold said last-mentioned damper in open position when the first-mentioned damper is in initial open position, and operating means operatively connected with said damper-operating bar and adapted to be operatively connected with and automatically operated by a furnace door.

I3. In a mechanism ot' the class described` the combination o' a flue forming a passage adapted to permit a current of air and gases to pass therethrough from a combustion chamber of a furnace, a damper for controlling the effectual area of said passage, damper-operating means extending into said passage and adapted to be automat- .ically actuated in one direction by the action ot' such current, and damper-operating means adapted to be connected with a door et such furnace and operatively connected with and forming' a connection between said damper and said first-mentioned dampen operating? means, for movingthe same to initial position.

la. In mechanism of the class described, the combination of a flue forming a passage adapted to permit a current of air and gases to pass therethrough from a combustion chamber of a furnace, a damper for controlling the effectual area of said passage, damper-operating means rockingly mounted and adapted to be automatically actuated in 15 one direction by the action of such-current moving` through said passage at or exceed ing a predetermined speed of movement of such current, connecting rod and lever mechanisin operatively connected With and forming an adjustable connection between said damper and damper-operating means, and means for operating,` said connecting rod and lever mecl'iansin to move said damper and said rst mentioned damper operating means to initial position.

Signed at Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, this 14th day of October, i924.

WILLIAM J. PFEIFER. 

